About us
To be the national catalyst for sustainable and social entrepreneurship through acquisition, enabling a thriving ecosystem of aspiring entrepreneurs, sellers, investors, and educators.
Our Vision
Our Mission
To promote, support, and grow the Canadian ETA ecosystem by fostering education, capital access, mentorship, and policy advocacy.
Our Why
Across Canada, thousands of small business owners—especially in rural and marginalized communities—are nearing retirement without a succession plan. Thriving businesses risk closing simply because there’s no buyer in sight.
At the same time, a new generation of ambitious, values-driven entrepreneurs are ready to lead—but locked out by systemic barriers to capital and opportunity.
Our Framework
An estimated 75% of small business owners in Canada don’t have a succession plan. Without action, billions in community economic value could be lost.
Our Solution
CETAA bridges the gap between ready-to-retire owners and ready-to-lead entrepreneurs by:
Unlocking acquisition financing ($100K–$2M)
Facilitating trust-based seller-buyer matches
Offering wraparound services from valuation to transition
Why It Matters
Community Wealth Preservation
Keep businesses local, preserve jobs, maintain economic anchors.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Lower barriers to ownership by focusing on acquiring existing businesses.
Catalytic Capital Deployment
Mobilize capital from credit unions, impact investors, and foundations.
Regenerative Retirement Pathways
Ensure dignity and continuity for retiring founders.
Place-Based Economic Resilience
Regional hubs design localized support and matchmaking.
What We Do
Strategic Pillars
A. Education & Awareness
Toolkits, webinars, and a bilingual knowledge hub.
B. Community & Networking
National and regional networks, an annual summit, and an online collaboration space.
C. Capital & Deal Flow
ETA Capital Directory, deal-sharing platform, investor matchmaking.
D. Mentorship & Support
Pairing buyers with mentors, live deal reviews, transition coaching.
E. Advocacy & Policy
Engagement with government to shape ETA-friendly succession policies.
Masterclasses
Ownership Through Acquisition for New Buyers.
Search Fund Accelerator Canada
Hands-on training for first-time acquirers.
Programs & Initiatives
ETA Bootcamps
Immersive weekend sessions.
Succession Roadshows:
Outreach to baby boomer business owners.
Insights, trends, and deal data.
Canadian ETA Annual Report
Online Learning Hub
Self-Paced & Live Learning
Buyer courses on acquisition readiness, finance, and operations
Seller guides on preparing to exit
Mobile-friendly, peer-based, real-world focused
